We aim to provide a curriculum that is as broad as possible. In addition to the core subjects of English, mathematics, science, history, geography and religious education, every girl studies Latin and French. A second modern language, German, Italian or Spanish, is added in Year 8. Practical subjects are a valued part of the curriculum and every girl has access to art, ceramics, drama, music, and technology as well as physical education and ICT. In Year 7 all three sciences are taught as an integrated science course by one teacher, whilst in Year 8 science is taught by subject specialists in each of biology, chemistry and physics, as a rotation of three modules.
All girls are given the opportunity to work individually and in groups. They learn to use the library and internet facilities to undertake research, to respond and question as well as to develop their creativity in a variety of different ways. Most lessons are taught in Tutor Groups to enable girls to settle in by working together. Mathematics and French are taught in different, smaller groups so that the girls can progress at the right pace for them.
We believe that homework provides an opportunity to prepare, consolidate and extend work covered in lesson time. Girls are encouraged to manage their time well and the amount of homework set is monitored carefully so that it is appropriate to the age group.
Academic progress is monitored by subject teachers at regular intervals through the school year. Our grading system, which indicates a standard for attainment and effort, is designed to allow regular feedback for form tutors, who communicate with parents if there is a cause for concern. Parents receive information about their daughter’s progress in a termly report or parents’ evening.
The week is divided into 40 lessons, each of 35 or 40 minutes duration. The table to the right indicates the distribution of lessons among the subjects.
Number of lessons per week
| Subject |
Yr 7 |
Yr 8 |
| Mathematics |
5 |
4 |
| French |
4 |
3 |
| Geography |
2 |
2 |
| History |
2 |
2 |
| Science |
4 |
4 |
| PE |
4 |
4 |
| PSHE |
1 |
1 |
| Latin |
2 |
3 |
| Music |
2 |
2 |
| English |
4 |
4 |
| Drama |
2 |
2 |
| RS |
2 |
2 |
| ICT |
2 |
2 |
| Art/Ceramics |
2 |
2 |
Design Technology/
Home Economics |
2 |
2 |
| German/Italian/Spanish |
0 |
3 |
For more information on the subjects for current parents, please
click here